The park is located in western Uganda shared between the districts of Kabarole, Kyenjojo and Kamwenge, protecting the moist evergreen rainforest. It covers an area size of 766 square kilometres (296 sq mi) in size and ranges between 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) and 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) in elevation. Despite encompassing primarily moist evergreen forest, it contains a diverse array of landscapes. Kibale is one of the last remaining tropical forest-expanse to contain both lowland and montane forests in East Africa.
This park was gazetted in 1932 and formally established as National Park in 1993 to protect a large area of forest previously managed as a logged forest reserve. The park forms a continuous adjacent stretch to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This adjuscent of the parks creates a 180 kilometres (110 mi) wildlife corridor. It is an important ecotourism and safari destination, well-known for its population of habituated chimpanzees and twelve other species of primates making it remarkably known as a world capital for primates.
Biodiversity of the park
Kibale National Forest has one of the highest biodiversity and concentration of primates in Africa. It is home to a large number of endangered chimpanzees, as well as the red colobus monkey (status: Endangered) and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey (Vulnerable).
The park has 13 species of primates. It also protects several well-studied habituated communities of common chimpanzee, as well as several species of Central African monkey including the mangabey, Red colobus (Procolobus tephrosceles) and the L’Hoest’s monkey.
Other primates that are found in the park include the black-and-white colobus (Colobus guereza) and the blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis). The Park’s population of elephants travels between the park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Other terrestrial mammals that are found within Kibale National Park include red and blue duikers, bushbucks, sitatungas, bushpigs, giant forest hogs, common warthogs, and African buffalo. The carnivores that are present include leopards, African golden cats, servals, different mongooses and two species of otter. In addition, lions visit the park on occasion.
Bird life is also prolific. The park boasts 325 species of birds, including the olive long-tailed cuckoo, western tinkerbird, two species of pittas (African and green-breasted) and the grey parrot. The ground thrush (Turdus kibalensis) is endemic to Kibale National Park
Guided Chimpanzee Tracking Walks
Guided chimpanzee tracking walks are conducted daily at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM, starting from the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre. These treks typically last between two to five hours, depending on the chimpanzees’ movements and other factors such as weather and terrain. Upon finding the chimpanzees, visitors are allowed one hour in their presence to observe their social interactions, playfulness, and feeding habits, offering an unparalleled window into their fascinating lives.
To ensure a sustainable and intimate experience, each tracking group is limited to six participants, and all visitors must be at least 16 years old. Arriving early for registration and a pre-trek briefing is strongly advised, as rangers will provide essential guidelines on chimpanzee behavior and safety protocols. Advance booking is mandatory to secure a slot for this highly sought-after experience.
Kibale’s Remarkable Biodiversity
Beyond its renowned primates, Kibale National Park boasts an astonishing biodiversity. The park is home to over 120 other mammal species, including olive baboons, forest elephants, bush pigs, duikers, and rare antelope species. Bird enthusiasts will be equally delighted, as Kibale shelters approximately 370 bird species, with 23 Albertine Rift endemics such as:
Nahan’s francolin – a globally threatened ground-dwelling bird Cassin’s spinetail – a fast-flying forest-dweller Blue-headed bee-eater – a strikingly colorful species often spotted along forest edges Lowland masked apalis – an elusive warbler found in dense vegetation
Kibale’s Thriving Chimpanzee Population
Kibale supports one of the largest populations of wild chimpanzees in Uganda, estimated at over 1,500 individuals, distributed across at least 12 distinct communities. Four of these communities have been habituated for tourism and research, with the Kanyantale chimpanzee community being the most prominent for visitor tracking. This group has been open to tourists daily since 1993, making it one of the longest-running chimpanzee tracking programs in the world.
For those seeking an even deeper experience, Kibale also offers the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, which allows visitors to spend an extended period following a semi-habituated chimpanzee group as they go about their day.
With its unmatched primate diversity, breathtaking scenery, and rich ecosystems, Kibale National Park remains one of Africa’s premier destinations for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers. A visit here promises a truly immersive and unforgettable encounter with Uganda’s wild beauty.
Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park.
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a national park in southwestern Uganda. It is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and is situated along the Democratic Republic of the Congo border next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the Albertine Rift. Composed of 321 km2 (124 sq mi) of both lowland and montane forest, it is accessible only on foot. It is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-designated World Heritage Site.
The park is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga, each of which offers gorilla trekking experiences. Visitors are assigned to specific groups of gorillas, and treks can vary in length depending on the distance and terrain. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi allows tourists to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, an experience that is led by trained guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
In addition to gorilla trekking, Bwindi is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, various species of monkeys, and over 350 bird species, making it a prime location for wildlife and bird enthusiasts. Notable bird species in the park include the African green broadbill and the white-cheeked hornbill. Visitors can also engage in nature walks, community visits, and photography tours, which allow them to explore the park’s stunning landscapes, such as the dense rainforests and dramatic hills.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also of significant importance in conservation efforts, both for mountain gorillas and the surrounding ecosystems. The park is involved in various community development and conservation initiatives that help fund local projects and ensure sustainable tourism practices. Tourism fees are used to support anti-poaching activities, research, and wildlife protection efforts.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s premier ecotourism destinations, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and the opportunity to track endangered mountain gorillas. Located in southwestern Uganda, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major attraction for visitors interested in gorilla trekking. With over 459 mountain gorillas, it is home to approximately half of the world’s remaining population of this critically endangered species.
The park is owned by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a parastatal government body. The park has total protection, although communities adjacent to the park can access some of its resources. The areas bordering the park have a high population density of over 300/km2 (780/sq mi). Some of the people who live in these areas are among the poorest people in Uganda. The high population and poor agricultural practices place great pressure on the Bwindi forest, and are one of the biggest threats to the park. Ninety percent of the people are dependent on subsistence agriculture, as agriculture is one of the area’s few ways of earning income.
Prior to Bwindi’s gazetting as a national park in 1991, the park was designated as a forest reserve, and regulations about the right to access the forest were more liberal and seldom enforced. Local people hunted, mined, logged, pit sawed, and kept bees in the park. It was gazetted as a national park in 1993 because of its rich biodiversity and threats to the integrity of the forest. It’s designation as a national park gave the park higher protection status.
State agencies increased protection and control of the park. Adjacent communities’ access to the forest immediately ended.